Claiming our human rights
Our rights, which are many, are suppressed on a daily basis, not only in other countries, but in our neighbourhoods.
We hear the horror stories and the cries of disbelief in a century where equal rights are not practiced. LGBTQ folks, blacks, indigenous people, Muslims and a host of others face regular discrimination.
We cannot help but believe that this is a part of society that cannot easily be healed. We think back to the earlier days when folks who do not fit the “norm” were consistently attacked, beaten, ridiculed and even killed, makes for sober thoughts as we continue on this path of human destruction. I am going back years and centuries.
I am aware that my column deals mainly with LGBTQ issues, but I feel that regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, country of origin, the language we speak, religious background, or any other unique qualities we may possess, human rights were, and indeed have not been ours to enjoy.
Many world leaders, government officials and countless others contribute to the blocking of human rights. Many believe only nations on the other side of the world practice human rights abuses.
The reality is that we only have to look south of the border where a power hungry, sexist, discriminating and bullying president heads one of the most powerful nations in the world. A man who is proving to be a champion against human rights, controlling a country of almost 400 million people is one to be feared and will stand in the way of equal rights for all.
The United Nations International Declaration of Human Rights, in part, states the following: “All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.
They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood”. It goes on to say, “Everyone is entitled to all rights and freedom set forth in the Declaration without distinction of any kind, such as race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status”.
These all- encompassing thoughts are the ideals to a perfect world where conflicts remain a serious and never ending situation.
We have much to consider and plan if we want to better the world for our children, grandchildren and all future generations. To make even a dent, we must not give up just because of the reign of the Donald Trumps and the Vladimir Putins of this world.
Step by step with patience, but determination success may eventually be accomplished. In Canada we are so fortunate to have more equal rights in place than most other countries, but we are not out of the woods as yet. Equal treatment is not yet ours to have in many cases. As C
anadians we must work towards equality for our Black, Indigenous, Mulim, LGBTQ citizens and many others, so that we can truly say that we do have respect for all and that human rights in every manner is the only way to true happiness and all citizens are equal to one another.